Leiter Hits Injured List Amid Cubs’ Bullpen Woes
CHICAGO -- In a season already marred by injuries and inconsistencies, the Chicago Cubs were dealt another blow as set-up reliever Mark Leiter Jr. was placed on the injured list with a right forearm strain, the team announced Sunday.
Leiter's Struggles and Contributions
Leiter, 33, has been struggling lately, surrendering eight runs over his last four appearances before the injury sidelined him. Despite these recent struggles, Leiter has been a crucial component of the Cubs' bullpen. His ability to manage inherited runners has been particularly noteworthy, allowing only three out of 20 inherited runners to score against him. However, his ERA has inflated to 5.34 across 32 games this season, which adds to the concern. Leiter's season record stands at 2-4, reflecting both his early contributions and recent difficulties.
Cubs’ Injury Epidemic
Leiter's injury is the latest setback for a bullpen already struggling with a series of injuries at the back end. Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs' Opening Day closer, is also on the injured list with a forearm strain. Middle relievers Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather are similarly sidelined, leaving the Cubs' bullpen shorthanded and ineffective. Currently, the bullpen ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball with a 4.44 ERA, highlighting the significant challenges they are facing.
The loss of Leiter compounds these issues, putting the bullpen's ability to hold leads and provide stability in the late innings into question. This string of injuries has placed enormous pressure on the remaining bullpen members to step up and fill the gaps.
Leiter’s Season by the Numbers
Mark Leiter Jr.’s early contributions to the Cubs were significant, particularly in managing inherited runners. Only three of the 20 inherited runners under his watch scored, which is a testament to his effectiveness. However, his recent outings have severely affected his ERA, which now stands at 5.34 over 32 appearances. His overall record of 2-4 underscores both his initial success and later struggles, making his placement on the injured list a critical loss for the Cubs.
Next Man Up
In response to Leiter's injury, the Cubs recalled left-handed pitcher Luke Little to fill his spot on the roster. Little has shown promise, but the pressure will be on him to perform at a high level immediately. He joins a bullpen that is already under heavy scrutiny, and he will need to quickly find his footing to help stabilize the Cubs' late-game pitching options. The team’s standing in the bullpen rankings underscores the urgent need for effective performances, particularly in Leiter's absence.
Conclusion
Injuries have significantly hampered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, and Mark Leiter Jr.'s injury only exacerbates the issue. The burden now falls on the remaining bullpen members and the newly called-up Luke Little to manage the late-game pitching challenges. As the Cubs fight to stay competitive, their ability to stabilize their bullpen will be paramount in their efforts to overcome these setbacks.
Quotes:
"CHICAGO -- In a season already marred by injuries and inconsistencies, the Chicago Cubs were dealt another blow as set-up reliever Mark Leiter Jr. was placed on the injured list with a right forearm strain, the team announced Sunday."